A crackdown on illegal traders scamming tourists at hotspots in London has started as a man has been fined over £11,000 for selling hot dogs from a cart on Westminster Bridge
An illegal hot dog trader targeting tourists in London has been fined as part of a crackdown on tourist scamming hotspots.
In recent months, Westminster Bridge in the centre of London has become a hive of activity – not all of it legal. Gaggles of tourists are invited to pay-to-play games by gambling gangs, while traders without licenses clog the road.
Fikaj Xhyhen, 38, peddled food from a cart close to London’s South Bank on Westminster Bridge, but was issued several warning to not trade from the location without gaining the relevant licenses, the Evening Standard reported. He has now been convicted of 18 offences under the London Local Authorities Act 1990 and been fined £11,388 at Croydon Magistrates’ Court for ignoring the warnings.
Fikaj was caught by Lambeth Council’s anti-social behaviour team, who worked in the area alongside a community safety patrol team and South Bank Employers Group, who then brought prosecutions against him and a second man Edmir Lika, 41, who flogged artwork on the bridge.
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If caught trading illegally again, Fikaj will have his trolley seized. At the same court hearing, Edmir from Walthamstow, received fines totally £1,326 for two offences, plus the forfeiture and destruction of seized items.
Councillor Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s cabinet member for safer communities, said: “I welcome the court’s tough action in these two cases as they send a strong message that we will not tolerate illegal traders in our borough. The outcome in respect of Xhyhen is particularly satisfying, and I fully support the firm stance taken by the court in that case.
“Unlicensed street trading is a long-standing issue, particularly in busy areas like the South Bank. It can create congestion, obstruct pavements, and undermine local businesses that comply with regulations. Traders often move locations quickly and use false information, making it difficult to secure convictions.
“Witness statements from local businesses and residents, and enforcement records were key to successfully prosecuting this case.”
This one example of illegal street trading is part of a larger effort to crackdown on tourist scamming traders. Lambeth Council says it will continue to take enforcement action against illegal traders by patrolling high-risk areas to deter repeat offending, seizing goods and equipment from unlicensed traders and taking further legal action where necessary.
Last week, Transport for London (TfL) invited the public to have their say on regulating pedicabs in the capital for the first time. The consultation, which is open until March 7, 2025, marks the first step towards regulation under the Pedicabs (London ) Act 2024.
Often seen across the city outside of theatres or in areas with large crowds, pedicabs are the only unregulated form of public transport in London, which has lead to inconsistencies in services and rip-off fare.
TfL’s proposals aim to ensure both passengers and pedestrians remain safe, whilst also minimising fare issues and antisocial behaviour caused by the loud music many pedicabs play and poor driving. The suggest reulations would mean that all pedicab drivers would have a one-year pedicab driver’s license, need to meet a set of safety standards and undergo criminal background checks.
Drivers would also need to have the appropriate insurance and have their vehicles inspected regularly.
Will Norman, the walking and cycling commissioner, said: “Pedicabs should be a fun and sustainable way for people to see London but, without regulation, some drivers are behaving unsafely or antisocially, and charging extortionate prices.”
Helen Chapman, TfL’s director of licensing & regulation, said: “Pedicabs are the only form of unregulated public transport in London and have an impact on the safety of the capital’s road network, as well as customers being charged well-documented rip-off fares, so we’re pleased to be able to launch this consultation.”
Dee Corsi, chief executive of New West End Company, said: “We welcome Transport for London’s progress with the Pedicabs Act. This new system will positively impact the West End, a global flagship destination. The consultation is a vital step towards ensuring passenger and pedestrian safety. We look forward to playing our part in shaping a safer and more professional pedicab service for all.”
